Monasteries of Imereti
Discover the spirituality of western Georgia in 7 days: Batumi, Martvili canyons, Gelati and Motsameta monasteries, Nikortsminda cathedral in Racha, and Tbilisi.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Transfer from Batumi airport to Batumi
We will transfer from the airport to the hotel with the assistance of our guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4*
6 km | 00:15 by car
DAY 2: Batumi - surroundings
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will dedicate the morning to connecting with the cultural roots of the region at the Batumi Ethnographic Museum. This unique space will captivate us with its impressive wood carvings and recreations that celebrate the soul and traditional customs of Georgia. Later, we will head south to explore the historic Gonio Fortress, an ancient Roman bastion from the 1st century. We will walk among ruins that whisper stories of the Silk Road and sacred legends. To close the day, we will return to the heart of the city to explore downtown Batumi, losing ourselves in the charming streets of the old town and its iconic coastal Boulevard.
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Batumi 4*
30 km | 01:10 by car
DAY 3: Batumi - Martvili - Prometheus - Kutaisi
After enjoying breakfast and leaving behind the sea breeze of Batumi, we will head towards the green heart of Georgia. Our first stop will be the impressive Martvili Canyon, a place that seems straight out of a fairy tale, where water has sculpted the rock for millennia. We will walk along its trails surrounded by virgin forest and, if weather permits, we will sail on boats through its turquoise waters. The adventure will continue as we descend into the depths of the earth in the famous Prometheus Cave. There we will explore a labyrinth of underground halls decorated with majestic stalactites and stalagmites and, if conditions permit, we will complete the experience with a boat ride on the interior river. We will end our journey arriving at the historic city of Kutaisi.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*
240 km | 04:16 by car
DAY 4: Kutaisi - Bagrati - Motsameta - Gelati - Nikortsminda - Kutaisi
Our cultural exploration begins in Kutaisi, first visiting the majestic Bagrati Cathedral. From its privileged location on the hill, we will visually dominate the entire city before moving to Motsameta Monastery. Dramatically located on a rocky promontory surrounded by the Tskaltsitela River, this sanctuary offers an atmosphere of deep spirituality. A short distance away, the Gelati Academy awaits us, a UNESCO World Heritage complex that guards invaluable frescoes and the history of the Georgian Golden Age. Later, we will enter the picturesque Racha region, famous for its mountainous landscapes, to visit Nikortsminda Cathedral, a masterpiece of ecclesiastical architecture, recognized worldwide for the intricate beauty of its stone reliefs and its magnificent decorated interiors. We will return to Kutaisi to conclude this day dedicated to sacred art.
Accommodation: Best Western Kutaisi 4*
191 km | 04:25 by car
DAY 5: Kutaisi - Gori - Uplistsikhe - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
We will leave Kutaisi behind for a fascinating chronological journey through Georgia's history. Our first stop will be in Gori, where we will visit the Stalin Museum. In this complex, we will explore the Soviet leader's birthplace, his famous armored train car, and a collection of personal objects. Next, we will go back millennia in time upon arriving at Uplistsikhe, an impressive ancient city carved into rock. We will walk through its streets, pagan temples, and tunnels dating from the first millennium BC. The route continues to the spiritual heart of the country: Mtskheta. There we will admire the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, an 11th-century architectural gem. To finish, we will climb to Jvari Monastery, from where we will contemplate the iconic confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers before arriving in Tbilisi.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
267 km | 04:44 by car
DAY 6: Tbilisi - Guided tour
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our cultural immersion on the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue, the beating heart of Tbilisi. On this elegant boulevard, we will admire architectural gems such as the imposing Parliament and the neo-Moorish Opera Theater, as well as the distinctive Rustaveli Theater and the beautiful Kashveti Church. Our tour will then take us to Metekhi Square, where the historic church and the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali will give us privileged views over the Mtkvari River. The experience will gain height as we take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress, the ancient defensive citadel from the 4th century that offers the best panoramic views of the capital. Afterwards, we will enter the picturesque district of Abanotubani, known worldwide for its historic sulfur baths and the charm of its medieval streets. Finally, we will conclude by visiting the Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in the city.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center 4*
2 km | 00:26 by car
DAY 7: Transfer from Tbilisi to Tbilisi Airport
We will transfer from the hotel to the airport according to the scheduled flight time, with the assistance of our guide.
18 km | 00:25 by car
About this trip
Discover the spirituality and natural beauty of western Georgia with this 7-day trip focused on the Imereti and Racha regions. Unlike standard routes that run east, this itinerary takes its time to explore the treasures near Kutaisi, the second largest city and ancient capital of the Kingdom of Colchis.
Golden Age Gems
Starting in Batumi, we will move to Kutaisi to visit an exceptional set of religious monuments: the imposing Bagrati Cathedral, symbol of Georgian unity, and Gelati Monastery, a medieval center of science and philosophy with impressive frescoes. We will also visit the picturesque Motsameta monastery, situated on a cliff above a red river.
The Racha Mountains
A hidden gem of this trip is the visit to Nikortsminda cathedral in the mountainous Racha region, famous for its unique stone carvings. The trip continues east to visit the cave city of Uplistsikhe and ends in Tbilisi. It is an ideal option for lovers of sacred art, medieval architecture, and the green, lush landscapes of western Georgia, offering a deeper and less crowded experience.
Included
- Accommodation: 6 Nights in selected 4* hotels
- Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast
- Transport: Private vehicle with A/C and fuel
- Guide: Professional English-speaking guide
- Logistics: Staff expenses (guide/driver)
- Water: 1 bottle per person/day
- Taxes: Local fees
- Entrances: Monuments according to itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and Dinners
- Alcoholic beverages and tips
- Personal expenses